* '''The Two Old Cinemas''', art deco design and both have been out of regular service for some time however the one on the old bridge road does show the occasional Khmer made horror movie. If you are an art deco enthusiast, The Tourist Information building, about 400 metres up from the Salt Workers Monument, is also worth a look.

* '''The Two Old Cinemas''', art deco design and both have been out of regular service for some time however the one on the old bridge road does show the occasional Khmer made horror movie. If you are an art deco enthusiast, The Tourist Information building, about 400 metres up from the Salt Workers Monument, is also worth a look.

*'''The Old Bridge''', still in regular service for vehicles although it probably shouldn't be as its structural integrity is questionable. It is very picturesque at sunset.

*'''The Old Bridge''', still in regular service for vehicles although it probably shouldn't be as its structural integrity is questionable. It is very picturesque at sunset.

Revision as of 03:00, 19 January 2013

Kampot is a small town (pop.~40,000) in south-east Cambodia and capital of the province with same name. It is a gateway to Bokor National Park

Understand

Kampot's main attraction is its relaxing riverside setting. While there is a sizeable town set back from the river, the majority of visitors will spend most of their time enjoying the river and the local countyside. Kampot's economy is based on Salt and Pepper production, fishing, fruit growing (particularly Durians) and light industry with domestic and foreign tourism being small but growing contributors. Most foreigner oriented tourist businesses are scattered along the riverside promenade or are within one or two blocks of it. The riverside's main reference points are the old bridge, a mongrel of various styles and temporary parts thrown together after its breaching in the Khmer Rouge days, and the French-built market building (which is currently being restored). Back from the river, the town is centred on the bizarre durian roundabout. From where the buses drop passengers, walking down the wide boulevard leads towards the river and the French-built market.

If you would like to know a bit about Kampot's History, a scholarly PDF document (Kampot of the Belle Époque) is located here: [22]

Get in

By bus from Phnom Penh:

Hua Lin buses depart at 07:00 and 12:00from their bus station on street 182 near Olympic Market. The bus travels to Kampot via Kep and the trip takes about five hours.

Capitol buses depart at 07:00 and 13:00 from their bus station near Orrusey Market. The bus does not currently go via Kep and the trip can take approx. 3.5 hours. The fare is $US4.25. Website: [23]

Sorya buses depart at 07:30 and 14:30 from their bus station next to Central Market. In the high season (October to May)there may be an additional bus at 9.30am. The bus travels to Kampot via Kep and the trip takes about five hours. The fare is $US4.50. Website: [24]

Paramount Angkor Express buses depart at 07:30 and 13:30 from their bus station near Olympic Market.The bus travels directly to Kampot (does not go via Kep) and the trip takes about three hours. The fare is $4.50

Giant Ibis buses depart at 08:00 and 14:45 from street 106 next to the Night Market on Riverside. This company started operating in May 2012 and is promoting itself as a luxury service. Tickets are $8 and the bus sets down at the Durian Roundabout (approx. 300 metres from the bus station) in Kampot. Website: [25]

All of the above buses, with the exception of Giant Ibis, terminate at the central Kampot bus station which is about 150 metres from one of the main guesthouse streets in Kampot - walk to the Salt Workers Monument and take your first turn to the left.

Note that these buses do not generally have an on-board toilet but do usually have a 15 minute rest stop at approx. the half way point between Phnom Penh and Kampot. Note also that while there is no difference in the fares charged for locals and foreigners on the Phnom Penh - Kampot route, fares generally increase for everyone during major public holidays/celebrations.

Mini Bus

Kampot Express uses 12 seat Hyundai Starex mini buses and started operating in 2012. They provide an 08:00 and 13:00 service on weekdays with an additional 4.30pm service on Saturday and Sunday. Buses are based in Street 215 in Phnom Penh at the Sokimex petrol station. The fare is $US8 for foreigners, with locals paying less, and additional baggage fees may apply. Website: [26]

Private Taxi: your guesthouse/hotel should be able to arrange this for you and expect to pay between $US35 and $US50 for the whole taxi with the trip taking approx. 2.5 hours depending on the traffic leaving Phnom Penh. Again, prices quoted will generally be higher during major public holidays and you will almost certainly be quoted a higher price if you attempt to negotiate the fare yourself with one of the taxis at Phnom Penh airport.

Shared Taxi : There are a number of shared taxis that regularly ply the route between Phnom Penh and Kampot and your guesthouse/hotel should be able to arrange a seat for you. If you want to make your own arrangements, taxis generally depart from Psar Damkor. Be aware that a shared taxi, generally a Toyota Camry, on this route will normally carry eight people including the driver so if you are a large Westerner, have a lot of luggage or have issues with your personal space, you might want to book two seats at the front of the taxi which in effect gives you the front passenger seat to yourself. Prices are generally around $US5 per "chair" so the front passenger seat to yourself should cost around $US10.

There is no passenger rail service between Phnom Penh and Kampot.

From Sihanoukville, take a shared taxi, minibus or bus. Most taxis depart from the traffic pickup point next to the market. The two hour drive should costs US$3-5/person in a shared taxi, though haggling is required. Bus operators can help arrange a minibus with pickup at your guesthouse. Shared taxis are generally cramped, with up to 7 passengers: 4 in the back, 2 in the front passenger seat and one next to the driver.

Driving from Sihanoukville to Kampot on a rented scooter can be fun but if road conditions are poor may take 3.5 hours or more.

Get around

Getting around Kampot is easy on foot or on pushbike, given the town's small size and flat terrain. Alternatively, hire a motorcycle (100cc - 125cc scooter or 250cc dirtbike, from US$5/day) or bicycle (from US$1/day) from hire shops near the durian traffic circle, or from just about any guesthouse or tour shop .

It takes about 2 hours by moto from Kampot to the Ha Tien border with Vietnam, the scenery is very beautiful. If you start early you can catch the 10:00 ferry to Phu Quoc island. The border procedure is hassle free. Note that the two week free visa for the Ha Tien Special Economic Zone is reportedly no longer available.

There is a large man, usually seen wearing a stylish Parrot shirt, who is a font of useful travel information.

Tour Companies, There are approx. ten tour companies in Kampot offering the usual range of services. Prices and what is on offer is often displayed on a billboard at the front of the shop.

Safety, Kampot is generally a very safe town for visitors. However there have been incidents of bags - often containing valuables - being stolen from the front carry basket of pushbikes while the visitor, usually female, is cycling around town. The general technique used by the thieves is for a motorcycle with rider and pillion to pull alongside the pushbike, snatch the bag and then disappear into the distance. Secure your bag and/or limit the amount of valuables it contains.

See

The most impressive sights in Kampot are the river and surrounding hills, which grandly frame views from the riverside promenade. Kampot retains much of its colonial buildings and there are many interesting old structures in various states of repair. The two cinemas stopped screenings long ago but the buildings represents a charming, art deco vision of the future. The market, an angular structure similar to Battambang's, is undergoing renovation.

Bokor Mountain

Bokor National Park, about 1-2 hours out of Kampot, is being destroyed by a US$1bn casino development - the Thansur Bokor Highland Resort [28] with the result that the eerie charm of the abandoned French hill station - that included a shell of a church and the isolated upland nature reserve - is rapidly disappearing. The road up the mountain is now paved and provides easy access. The cooler climate and sublime views from the mountain remain and may provide some reason for a visit. Entry to the area is US$0.50 for motorcycles and $US2.50 for cars.

Tigers were rare to start with and will likely soon be non-existent. Gibbons and birds such as the chestnut-headed Partridge, blue pitta and orange-headed thrush will also been much harder to spot in what is now a construction site. The waterfall, which only flows in the wet season, may still provide some sanctuary for humans and animals wanting to get away from bulldozers.

Tours still run up the mountain and cost approximately US$10, depending on bargaining skills. Lunch is included. Except for the Bokor Palace Hotel and old casino, the old French buildings are occupied by the families of construction workers. The excursion can still be worthwhile provided as it is viewed as an insight into seeing Cambodia's Great Leap Forward rather than as an atmospheric expedition into a remote and haunting environment.

Several tracks enter the forest, one from behind the old tea plantation, the second from near the waterfalls. It is possible to stay at the ranger station which is basic but comfortable and, contrary to some reports does offer food and French wine.

Other

Teuk Chhouu, (8km upriver of town on the west (far) bank). An area of rapids with eateries and an island. It is a nice place for swimming, tubing and relaxing, and local vendors sell fruit, coffee and water.$US1 for foreigners.

Phnom Chhnork, (8km east of town on the Kep Road NH33). A pleasant ride through paddy fields and village life to these caves with pre-Angkorian (Funan) shrines and "lost worlds". Just after the rhino statue turn left (there is a sign to Phnom Chhnork Resort), cross the railway into a village. Straight ahead is Phnom Sera with some interesting caves and a quarry which feeds the local gravel industry. Follow the road 90 degrees left and 2 km or so to Wat Ang Sdok, pay the monks and walk across to the mountain. Take a torch$US1.

Secret Lake, (East of Phnom Chhou). An irrigation dam with a picnic area.

Pepper Farms, (North of the Kep hills and NH33), [1]. Enquire in town about how to see pepper being grown and processed. For a guided tour visit The Vine Retreat in Chamcar Bei village. Genuine Kampot Pepper is sold at Blissful Guesthouse.

Also recommended are the fresh seafood, especially the crab with local Kampot pepper, and beaches at Kep (25km 25-45 minutes east from Kampot by moto or shared taxi) which makes a fun day trip. Although the beaches are not as nice as those in Sihanoukville (1 small brown sand beach and more rocky), it is quiet and during the week you will likely be the only visitors. Fishing boats can also be taken out to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island), approximately 45 minutes from the mainland.

Kampot mangroves, (From Kampot and around), [2]. A traditional Khmer long-tail boat floats you to beautiful places where the flora, fauna and people dwell harmoniously. Voyage up the Kampot river and towards the heart of Bokor National Park.

Cham Fishing Village, about two kilometres out of town past the Governor's Residence on the road that runs along the East bank of the river.

Salt Fields , about two kilometres out of town on the Kep road. You will see the fields off to your right (coming from Kampot) and there are a number of access roads.

The Two Old Cinemas, art deco design and both have been out of regular service for some time however the one on the old bridge road does show the occasional Khmer made horror movie. If you are an art deco enthusiast, The Tourist Information building, about 400 metres up from the Salt Workers Monument, is also worth a look.

The Old Bridge, still in regular service for vehicles although it probably shouldn't be as its structural integrity is questionable. It is very picturesque at sunset.

The Colonial Railway Station, head out of town on the Phnom Penh road and take the last turn to your right before you come to the rail lines. The Station is sign posted and approx. 1.5 kilometres out of town.

The Kampot Traditional Music School for Orphaned and Disabled Children, situated across the road from the Acleda Bank building and adjacent to the park that runs down to the Old Market. The school holds occasional concerts - there is a notice board outside the building advising dates and times - and it is possible to attend music rehearsals (Mon to Fri) if you make an appointment. Tel: +855 (0)33 932 992 (Field Manager: Mr. You Chhuy)

Old Buildings, There are some fine examples of colonial architecture along the riverside in Kampot including The Governor's Residence, The Red Cross building and the Department of Mines building. There are still a hand full of dilapidated, photogenic shop houses on the streets back from the riverside.

Buddhist Wats, within two kilometres of the town centre are half a dozen Buddhist temples. Worth seeing are the hand painted depictions of the life of Buddha on the internal walls of each of the Wats. If your time or interest is limited, Wat Treuy Koh is one of the best examples - go over the old bridge and take your first major paved road to your left. The Wat is approx. 500 metres along this road to your right.

Chinese Temples , worth a look if you are spending a little extra time in Kampot. The first is under renovation and is located on the road that runs along the river front about 100 metres from the new bridge while the second is adjacent to The Vietnam Friendship Monument. .

The Old Prison , still in active use and would make a great set if anyone ever decides to do a remake of the movie Papillon. This is not a place where you would want to do time. About 200 metres from the Salt Workers Monument.

The 2000 Olympic Stadium, in the center of town behind the Durian Roundabout. Classic Khmer style stadium and the grounds are often used for fairs or live music concerts during public holidays.

The Market, large, rambling, well stocked with just about everything that an average Khmer family could need, have a look at the section behind the fish mongers for examples of local produce: it's well worth a wander around. Watch your feet & your head as the floors can be uneven & the ceilings low.

The Old Market, has been undergoing a restoration for the past couple of years and currently has a few stalls and a bar-restaurant open for business.

Get Out Of Town, head out of Kampot for 1 kilometre in any direction and get off the main roads and you are in rural Cambodia. Some of the local cottage industries include palm sugar and wine making, basket weaving and furniture making using liana and rattan.

Teuk Chhou Wildlife Education Park. Previously known as Teuk Chhou Zoo, the Park is now operated under the auspice of Footprints Organization, an NGO committed to transforming the park into a centre for environmental learning and education.[30]. Located about 8 km out of Kampot towards Teuk Chhouu and not far from the rapids. Admission is $US4 for foreigners and $US1 for locals and it is open daily.

Do

Take a boat trip up the river for $US5

Kampot has a relaxed and sleepy atmosphere. It is a great place to go and just soak up the atmosphere and catch your breath for a couple of days: in the town, at the beach, along the river or up on Bokor.

Do Kampot province by dirtbike: Ride enduro style through the Elephant mountains, take on the hillclimb up Bokor or relax.

Petanque (Boules). Play at Blissful for free. Have a cold beer or Pastis while playing. The court is floodlit, so play morning, afternoon or evening.

Minigolf, (at the Magic Sponge GH). Play a few fun rounds of 9-hole minigolf for free.

Quiz Night, at Blissful Guesthouse, Tuesday nights at 20:00. Generally a good mix of local expats and travelers. Free entry. Winning team wins a tower of beer.

Watch a movie, Ecran Movie House is a newly opened (August 2012) boutique, 30 seat cinema showing nightly movies starting at 7.30 pm. Huge screen and quality sound system. Located between Sisters II and Cambo EcoTour 30 metres from the 2000 roundabout. Check out the front to see what is showing that night. Admission is $US2.50

Take a boat trip, there are a number of tour operators in Kampot offering boat trips on the river. Bart, a Rastafarian looking, Belgian expat, has been boating on the river for the past 7 years and is recommended. Type - Boatman Bart Kampot - into Google for more info. Contact him at (T:(092) 174 280) Paddle Boards are available for rent for $US7 per day at Captain Chims restaurant over the road from the old market.

Pick up a free copy of The Kampot Survival Guide while you are in town and have a read. A funny, irreverent, not for profit and often politically incorrect take on visiting or living in Kampot written by local expats. The KSG blogspot site is here: [31] Or look out for a copy of Coastal tourist information guide containing info and maps of all towns in South-Cambodia.

Live Music, check with your guesthouse to see what's on offer while you are in Kampot. During the high season (Nov to March), live gigs or jam sessions might be held at ABC Bar, Madi Bar, The Greenhouse, Wunderbar, Samon's Village, Bokor Mountain Lodge, Bodhi Villa or The Magic Sponge

Buy

You can buy locally grown, and of international acclaim, black pepper from the New Market (1km towards Phnom Penh from the central traffic circle), although it is recommended that should you wish to be relatively certain that the pepper you are purchasing really is locally grown, bring a trustworthy local with you.

Banks, There are three banks with 24 hour ATM services in Kampot. Canadia Bank is located in a new building on the main "Durian" traffic circle. ACLEDA bank is located approx. 150 metres from the bus station on the street running down towards the river.

Eat

There are plenty of places to eat in Kampot, ranging from the usual street kitchens to proper restaurants providing indoor seating. Most places are only a short walk from the central traffic circle. A delicious breakfast is Koh Kor Num Pain, a thick beef stew served with french bread. Fish and seafood are also plentiful, fresh and delicious.

Food stalls still open late at night.

Just north of the new bridge are two bungalows with over-the-water dining in stilt huts. Nature Bungalows even has a tiny artificial beach. Just south of the same bridge a Khmer seafood restaurant is also on stilts over the water.

Epic Arts Cafe, Old Market Street (North side two blocks from the river). Breakfast until 17:00. Modern cafe cuisine, juices and Italian coffee. NGO run to help local disabled people. A few secondhand books also for sale.moderate - premium.

The Rusty Keyhole, (on the river, just south of the old bridge and next to the French-built market building), ☎092 758 536. Western and Asian food with notable tender BBQ ribs, relaxing river side location. Beer provided in 568ml vessels for those who love the pint.

Sisters II, Two blocks off of the river (turn beside Bokor Lodge off the river) near the 2000 round about, ☎017-777-470. 07:00 - 17:00 closed Sundays. All day breakfast and bakery, great carrot cake (3,000 riel).

Srey Mom Cafe, Opposite the 2000 monument (East side two blocks from the river and next door to Tiny Kampot Pillows), ☎012 987 457. 17:00 until late. Western and Indian food.

Ta ouv, (Just south of new bridge on the river), ☎012 987 457. Has two signs with slightly different translations of their name. Often mentioned in guidebooks, it skimps on their trademark green pepper crab (just 1 small crab) and you are better off going to Kep for a tastier, better value version of this local dish.$4.

Moliden, Riverside Road (on corner of the old bridge,Riverside Road,), ☎012820779, [6]. 07:00 to 23:00. Western and Asian food with notable tender BBQ ribs,Tasty pizzas,kampot pepper steaks, pastas,salads atmospheric restaurant overlooking the river and mountains,sitting in the garden with relax chair.on the river side 2.5 to10.

Café Malay, old market street, close to the river (next to Kepler's book shop and ABC bar), ☎+855 97 9938641. 09:00 - 22:00. Little Café and restaurant near the old market. Wide range of original Khmer and western food. Home made ice cream, cakes and breads. Pizza. Lavazza espresso, cappuccinos, draught beer and cocktails. Free WiFi.1 - 8. (10°36'29.25N,104°10'46.65E)

Drink

Visit any of the numerous vendors located on the main avenues in the evening for aTeuk Rleuek (fruit shake). Also worth trying is a glass of freshly squeezed sugar cane juice: look for the stalls that have stacks of sugarcane and brightly painted, hand cranked mangles, or a glass of iced tea with freshly squeezed sugarcane & lime juice.

Just about all of the local Khmer restaurants serve beer. In addition, there are literally dozens of night time drinking establishments catering for the locals both inside town and on the outskirts. These range from the quite palatial to the downright seedy - a thatched hut with dirt floor complete with wandering chickens and dogs. These establishments will often serve food (don't expect a Western menu) and frequently provide semi-soundproof rooms if karaoke singing combined with drinking is your thing. They can be located by the large, neon Anchor, Angkor and Cambodia beer signs.

Moliden, Riverside Road (corner of the old bridge / opposite of the river), ☎012820779, [8]. 07:00-23:00. Stylish bar with garden area and great river view and bokor mountain, open 7 day a week,Big selection of beers, cocktails,wines, fruit juices happy hour 16:00-19:00 sitting in the garden with chair relax 1to5.

Sleep

At the budget end of the market, dorm style guesthouse accommodation in Kampot starts at around US$2.50 and separate fan rooms are generally around US$5-8. Air-con rooms generally start around US$13.

There are perhaps fifty guesthouses dotted throughout the city however the majority of these are more oriented to domestic rather than foreign visitors. Half a dozen of the popular guesthouses with foreign visitors are concentrated on "Guesthouse Street" which is now also home to a few budget roadside cafes. There are also a number of guesthouses just outside of town across the bridge and along the riverfront.

Budget City guesthouses

(Under $US15 but guesthouse may also have more upmarket rooms available)

Blissful Guesthouse, Guesthouse St (100m south of bus station, east of Salt Gatherers' Roundabout), ☎092 494 331 ([email protected]), [9]. Longest run Western guesthouse in Kampot since 2004. Lush tropical garden, restaurant with a wide range of traditional Khmer and Western cuisine, busy bar with great music, some clean rooms and furniture can be lacking, and a laid back atmosphere. All rooms are fan cooled with private or shared western bathrooms, cold water showers (hot water if the sun has been shining). Double or twin with private bathroom $US5, double room with shared bathroom $US4, single room with shared bathroom $US3, dormitory $US2/bed. 24 hour access. Free wifi, does not reach most rooms.

Magic Sponge, Guesthouse St (east of Salt gatherers' Roundabout), ☎017 946 428 ([email protected]), [10]. Funky converted villa run by Westerners with free wifi, 9-hole minigolf course, pool table, 50-inch HD widescreen TV for live sports, great Western and Asian food including excellent Indian dishes. A well stocked bar open late and with incredibly cheap draft beer - especially during Happy Hour between 12:00 and 16:00. A great place to hang out and meet other travellers with no shortage of entertainment. Air-con or fan rooms are spotlessly clean and feature superb quality mattresses and hot showers, and now there is a penthouse dormitory for just US$3 per night per bed. Laundry, travel tickets, motorbike and bicycle rental and up-to-date travel information available.

Kampot Guesthouse, Guesthouse St. Another straightforward guesthouse with fan and air-con rooms and food, next to Orchid. This one has clean rooms, no fridge, great wifi and it's quiet because it's at the end of the street: sponge and blissful sometimes have music....

Pepper Guesthouse, Guesthouse St. Converted villa guesthouse with clean rooms, simple restaurant and wi-fi in rooms run by a friendly Khmer family. Bicycles available for rent at $US1/day and motorbikes for $US4 for a semi-auto or $US10 for an off-road bike. Rooms $US5 (fan) - $US15 (air-con).

NyNy Hotel, Guesthouse St. Three storey building in Guest House Street. Clean rooms, Wi-Fi.

Ta Eng Guesthouse is on a side street near where the road to Kep bends out of the town grid. Not very cosy. Curfew at 23:30. Rooms start at $US5.

Titch's Place, Australian run dorm-room guesthouse located on the riverfront in the block between the old market and old bridge. Roof top bar with views over the river towards the mountains. WiFi. International power sockets for electrical appliances. Separate dorm room available for female guests on request. US$3-$4 Phone: 033 650 1631 Email: [email protected]

Budget Riverside Guest house

Olly's Place, by the river, 500 metres north from the west side of the new bridge (next to Bodhi Villa), ☎+855(0)92 605 837, [13]. Comfortable bungalows and rooms with mosquito nets. Paddle-boarding and swimming in the river included. Wind-surfing available. Food and drinks menu. Best value of the three.

Kampot River Bungalow, 100 metres before Olly's place on the west side of the river. Comfortable bungalows and rooms with mosquito nets. This is probably the worst option of the 3 bungalow hotels. The food is pretty good but overpriced. They do not provide even basic amenities like toilet paper and charge for things like a cup of hot water. The "free" bycicles that the hotel advertises are useless. Of the 8 bicycles that they have 4 had inflated tires and only 2 with functional brakes. Wifi only works in the waterfront area so forget about checking email from your bungalow. $6.

Samon's Village, 50 meters behind Bodhi Villa, ☎", [14]. clean and new bungalows with mosquito nets. With terrace and access to the river. Good local food. Very friendly and family-like atmosphere. No party crowd. Get to know the locals who live here and hear traditional music, too.$8 (shared bathroom), $20 with bathroom.

Greenhouse, Papaya Salad Road (Cross the new bridge, follow Teuk Chhu road for 6km, then turn right on Papaya Salad road), ☎+855(0)88 886 3071, [15]. Small private bungalows with a fantastic view. Great bar and restaurant in beautiful old wooden Khmer house with a large balcony overlooking the river. id you want a quiet time then avoid Sunday afternoons, as they have acoustic jam sessions and BBQ specials. Occasional live music on Saturday nights.$US7-20.

Naga House, kampot (river side bar, guesthouse and restaurant), tuek chou rd (opposite side of the river), ☎012 289 916, [16]. brand new guest house house in kampot, offering a place to hang out and relax on the deck over the watersedge. this place has a welcoming staff. Is a good place to meet other backpackers. there are dorm beds availible for $US3 and a choice of ground floor bungalows for $US6 to treetop bungalows for $US10 all are surrounded by wild flowers and fruit trees all rooms are cleanly made up with fresh sheets, fans and large bathrooms. [email protected]

Budget Countryside Homestay Bungalow

Kampot Eco-Village Retreat, (phone for free pick up from within kampot or drive over the new bridge and follow the road until the temple on the left side. Now go into the little path on the right hand side and keep going for 600m), ☎855-(0)12-719-872, [17]. checkin: anytime; checkout: noon. Kampot Eco-Village retreat is a home-stay guesthouse that features traditional bungalows for $U5 and free use of a bicycle as well as Cambodian specialties and western dishes. Friendly family country-side location, motorbike rental available.$US5 per day, $US25 per week, $US80 per month.

Upmarket

Les Manguiers, East Bank of the River (2km north of the new bridge on a rough dirt road.), ☎102 489 376 / 012 823 400, [18]. Garden bungalow resort with table d'hote menu, kayaks and boat trips. Very French; trilingual staff. Call for pickup.$10 - 44.

Villa Vedici, East Bank of the River (2km north of the new bridge on a rough dirt road, just north of Les Manguiers.), ☎+85589290714, [19]. Swanky new garden bungalow resort. r $US30, bungalow $US30, big house $US100 (up to 8 ppl).

Moliden Guesthouse, ☎012820779, [20]. checkout: 12.00pm. Rooms cost 15, 25, 35, and 65 dollars with very relaxing atmosphere. The $US15 rooms have good-sized rooms that have cable TV, hot shower and free wifi. The US$65 rooms are very spacious, cable TV, hot shower, bath, private entrance, free wifi and extremely good riverview of Bokor Mountain which can be seen from the balcony. All rooms include breakfast. 15 to 65.

Mea Culpa Kampot, behind Govonors Mansion, ☎012 50 47 69 ([email protected]), [21]. New guesthouse and restaurant in a nice garden setting, in a quiet part of the old French quarter of town. Clean, new nicely decorated fan and air-con rooms with cable TV, DVD player and en suite bathroom with hot water. Balcony. Complimentary tea and coffee. Patio restaurant and bar serving Khmer and international fare including pizzas from a wood-fired oven.$US20-25.

Contact

There are numerous internet shops in Kampot offering the usual range of services.
There are a couple on the left hand side of The Old Bridge Road about 100 metres down from the central Big Durian traffic roundabout and a couple more on the road between La Java Bleu and Bar Red. Many of the guesthouses and restaurants in Kampot are equipped with WIFI.

Post Office, on the riverfront and just up from Rikitikitavi. Opening hours are sporadic but your best bet is to check if it is open between 10:00 and 12:00 and 14:00 and 16:00.

Get out

By bus to Phnom Penh, all of the bus companies listed in the Get In section operate two return services to Phnom Penh, generally at 07:00 and around 13:00. Each of the bus companies has a small office at the Kampot bus station where you can book your ticket.

Kep - another resort town 25km east, famous for seafood, motobike for $US3, tuk-tuk $Us8.

Ha Tien (Vietnam) - The border was opened for tourists in 2007. Motorbike drivers usually ask for US$10 -15 for a ride to the border, but you can also get a motorbike taxi directly to Ha Tien for US$9 (around 2h). Some of the roads are not paved, but you will get to see some nice rural areas on the way. There are car taxis leaving for the border around 09:00 for US$6 per person and a number of minivan services now operate between Ha Tien and Kampot for around $US8.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!